Poor and delayed seed germination is one of the major problems in papaya cultivation. Rapid loss of viability in storage is thought to be the major cause for poor germination. The seeds could be stored without any decline in viability and vigour for 24 months at 15°C irrespective of variety, packaging materials and seed moisture levels. However, under ambient conditions, the seeds of Surya could maintain high viability upto 18 months of storage. Among the packaging materials, poly lined aluminium pouches was found to be better and the seed moisture (6-9%) had no marked effect on viability.